The French are known for many things, cuisine, haute couture, and perfumery among them. While I can drool over the first and dream about the second, it’s the third that I’m most interested in. In fact, I have an entire dresser drawer devoted to storing my favorite fragrances—many of which are French. Think of modern classics like YSL’s Libre ($95) and Dyptique’s Eau Rose ($230)…
Well, I have a new one to add to my collection. Recently, the famous French brand, Sézane, dropped a signature scent. As a beauty editor and lover of French perfumes, I was dying to get my hands on a bottle as soon as I heard the news. Do you blame me? Sèzane is iconic, and if the scent was anything like its effortless fashion essentials, I knew I’d be obsessed with it. Spoiler alert: I am. The light, fresh, and flowery scent is so delicate and sophisticated that I can’t stop spritzing it. Keep scrolling to see my new favorite French girl fragrance.
Notes: Italian mandarin, lemon, neroli, water jasmine, peony, white musk
This scent belongs to the “fresh floral” or “aquatic floral” category of fragrances. Notes of neroli, water jasmine, and peony lend a delicate, watery essence to the scent. A subtle fruitiness from Italian mandarin and lemon comes through next, followed by a grounding note of white musk.
One spritz of this perfume makes me feel like I’m sitting next to a lush, garden-side pond in the French countryside. Flowers bloom around me, koi fish circle slowly underwater, and the sun warms the ground beneath me. It’s no wonder I told a coworker that it makes me feel like a “delicate water nymph.”
While I tend to reach for warmer, heavier, and slightly smokier scents in the fall and winter, I’ll make an exception for L’Eau Sézane. The ultra-delicate floral fragrance is too fresh and sophisticated not to. It’s my new favorite French-girl fragrance.
Shop 10 More Under-$100 French-Girl Items
Sézane
Julia Socks in Vintage Pink
Ooh la la. How pretty are these delicate, floral patterned socks? I’m planning on pairing them with heels and loafers to lend my outfits a chic pop of color.
Nuxe
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Floral
While the original Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse ($28) is well worth your time and money, I’m embracing the French garden and water-nymph vibes with this floral version. It has a soft, fresh, and flowery scent that reminds me a little bit of the Sézane scent.
Nuxe
Aceite Multiusos Huile Prodigieuse Floral Shimmering
It also comes in a shimmering version for even more nymph-like vibes.
Typology Paris
Tinted Lip Oil in Ruby Red
I use this French lip oil almost every day. It uses squalane, jojoba oil, and vitamin E to hydrate the lips while giving them a sheer wash of color and a nonsticky shine.
Nuxe
Very Rose Organic Lip Balm
This lip balm is so lightweight and moisturizing. Its soft rose scent is just a bonus.
La Roche-Posay
Cicaplast Balm B5
A skin cream that never fails to moisturize and soothe red, irritated skin.
Embryolisse
Lait Creme Concentre Moisturizer
This iconic moisturizer multitasks as a makeup primer and skin-soothing mask.
Sézane
Gaston Scarf in Khaki Floral
Speaking of a garden aesthetic, this scarf fits the bill. Wear it in your hair, around your neck, or tie it to the handle of your handbag. It’s the chicest accessory.
Bioderma
Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Here’s the makeup-removing micellar water almost every expert counts on.
Bioderma
Atoderm Shower Oil
I’m snagging a bottle of this shower oil before the cold weather hits. It effectively cleanses my skin while soothing irritation and maintaining moisture levels.
Avène
Moisturizing Melt-In Balm
After getting out of the shower, apply this moisturizing balm to your body. True to the name, it melts into the skin, providing softness, smoothness, and hydration.
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